Rhino 'Tsavo' being examined with the help of firefighters. Picture courtesy: Munich Fire Department's Facebook page

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dpa/Munich

Diagnosing a sick rhinoceros is no easy task, as the
owners of a Munich circus discovered when they had to call in the
fire brigade to help perform tests on one of their animals.
Several firefighters assisted in the examination of 45-year-old
Tsavo, who weighs 2 tons, the fire service in Munich revealed on
Sunday.
According to a circus spokesman, Tsavo has been suffering from
digestive problems for weeks. He had to be examined under general
anaesthesia and in an upright position.
The firefighters used airbags and belts to keep Tsavo upright, and
also helped with checking his teeth and keeping his mouth open.
Tsavo, who has lost 300 kilos in the past few months, belongs to the
Krone circus, which is based in Munich.
His test results will now be analysed in a laboratory, according to
the circus spokesman.